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When the Bay of Plenty Volcanix played Counties Manukau in a pre-season clash at Mount Maunganui it was a tough but close battle that only just went in favour of the visiting side.

Tomorrow, in their Farah Palmer Cup opener, the sides will face off on the Bay's home turf once again, and Bay of Plenty want to do one better than their 28-27 loss earlier this month.

Bay Volcanix coach Rodney Gibbs can't wait for his team to take on Counties Manukau and is expecting a tough battle.

"Well, we know from playing them pre-season, that they are going to be big, physical and reasonably direct. So, we are going to have to be on our toes and defend really well, and we are going to have to play smart when we have the ball," Gibbs said.

''If we play into their hands, it's going to be a tough day at the office. But if we can be smart enough when we've got the ball. Well then, we can challenge them."

He says the players have worked hard in the lead up to their Farah Palmer Cup campaign and he's looking forward to seeing it in action.

"I'm bloody excited and I can't wait. It has been a long journey, but I've got some great people on board, good management and good coaches. We are all learning just as much as the players. There are a lot of people excited to see what we've got."

Gibbs has chosen a team balanced with a mixture of youth and experience for the game.

"We've still got a few niggly little injuries in the group like young Layla Te Riini. But upfront we've gone with the girls who have performed really well during the pre-season."

The coach has gone with an experienced forward pack, which includes Black Ferns Luca Connor and Karli Faneva, who makes her debut for the Volcanix, and a less experienced backline.

"I'm confident I've got a good group there that's going to perform really well."

"The backs are nicely balanced, they have got a good skill set, they're not overly experienced in the backline, without Renee Wickliffe. But I'm confident they can get out there and have a go and play pretty freely. So, hopefully we can score some good tries along the way."